1. Origin Myths

2. The first people…
Native Americans immigrated over the land bridge from Asia in 35,000 BC

3. Native American Literature: Creation Myths

4. Events usually result from the actions of supernatural beings.
Myth
A traditional story, passed down through generations, that explains why the world is the way it is.
Events usually result from the actions of supernatural beings.

5. Myths Contain supernatural elements Often explain the unexplainable
Have also been told in order to teach a moral lesson.
All cultures have myths, though often do not see their stories myth but as fact.
What is supernatural? Give me an example.
Why are myths important to a culture?

6. Oral tradition
Native American myths originated as oral tradition: stories passed down verbally

7. Oral Tradition. . .
Native American creation myths were not written down until just a few hundred years ago.
It was passed down
by storytelling and
performances.
Examples:
lullabies, bedtime
stories.
Much of the flavor gets lost in the writing down, but writing helps to preserve the myths for future generations in ways that retelling cannot.
To transition to the next slide, ask What is a myth?

9. Four functions of myth:

10. 1. To awaken us to the mystery and wonder of creation

11. 2. To explain the workings of the natural world: every corner, every rock, hill, stone, and flower has its place and its meaning.

12. 3. To pass down the moral and ethical codes that support and validate social customs.

13. to guide the people through the trials of living
4. To teach:
to guide the people through the trials of living

14. Creation myths
Explain how the universe, the earth, and life on earth began.

15. Essentials of Creation Myths

16. Creation Myths… To instill awe
Explain the workings of the natural world
3. To support customs
4. Guide people through the trials of living

17. Trickster Tales
Trickster- some one is creative curious and often gets into trouble. Will sometimes find wisdom through their curiosity.

18. More About Native American Literature
Oral Traditions
Integration of the natural world with the human world
No separation of spiritual and physical
Importance of ancestors
Trixter figure – often a coyote
Rich literary tradition – developed mythology
Extremely diverse

19. Native American Literature
The Lesson of the Birds
The Earth on Turtle’s Back
The Fox, Coyote, & Whale
When Grizzlies Walked Upright